Wollongong resident Veronica Greenwood no longer has to shout because she can hear herself.

But the 60-year-old feels like shouting out how much better her life has been since she opted for a cochlear implant. Ms Greenwood says it has proven to be life changing.

‘’At my switch-on I was quite apprehensive as I was unsure whether it would work. I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard these ‘metallic’ sounds, a bit like someone plucking a banjo,’’ she said.

‘’The support I received at SCIC Cochlear Implant Program was tremendous. My life has changed dramatically and all of a sudden I have this wonderful self confidence that I had forgotten existed. I no longer shout because I can now hear myself. I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard these ‘metallic’ sounds, a bit like someone plucking a banjo.

Ms Greenwood also recommends that anyone struggling with their hearing should investigate the options available. ‘’People will go their own way but if I were to cross their path I would definitely provide them with the positives of having 85 per cent of normal hearing for the rest of my life as opposed to no hearing at all,’’ she said. ‘’I am a very humble and thankful recipient of the gift of sound and now life is excellent.’’